FRENCH FIZZ ADDED TO ‘7-UP’ MIX

2018 Peugeot 5008 GT (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)Peugeot traditionally was known for its top-performing hatchbacks and stylish saloons. Although a few years ago it did dip its toes into the deep end of the car pool with what it called a ‘people carrier’.

A new interpretation of the family wagon, the 5008, which looked, and behaved suspiciously like a people mover, says the French maker, was an economical seven-seater offering a responsive drive and good road holding with quality interior that was versatile and spacious.
Now, Peugeot maintains, in response to the global appetite for sport utility vehicles, it has launched its all-new 5008 in Australia, which while the name has not changed, everything else has.

Designed from the ground up, the all-new Peugeot 5008 has moved from being a practical multi-purpose vehicle to a versatile seven-seat SUV with premium offerings at mid-market prices.

Dumping the previous Active entry-level variant, the new 5008 comes onto the market in Allure specification at $42,990, plus on-road costs, before moving up to the GT Line, $46,990, and range-topping GT, $52,990.

STYLING
On the outside, the Allure takes on the standard SUV styling, adding its own character with an outsize Peugeot Lion dominating the centre of the upright radiator grille. Chrome and black headlamps, incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, flank the set-up, wrapping round the sides.

In profile, the vehicle features detailing, including chrome highlights for the windows and black lower wheel guards, normally found only on premium models. Both add to the vehicles’ SUV stance and protect the bodywork from potential damage off the bitumen.

2018 Peugeot 5008 GT (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

INTERIOR
The cabin speaks to quality all round . . . from the smart material upholstery (Leather is a $2500 option) to stand-out satin chrome switches on the lower dashboard.

There’s a fully digital heads-up instrument panel, centrally-positioned touchscreen with 3-D navigation, DAB digital audio, voice recognition and smartphone wireless induction charging.

INFOTAINMENT
Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit, offers occupants an 8-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch, high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel which includes easy-to-read animated graphics and quick transitions between modes.

The screen can also be customised and configured to display dials, navigation and the onboard computer in two graphic styles.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Allure and GT Line feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an intercooler. Power output is 121 kW at 6000 rpm and torque 240 Nm at 1400rpm.

The turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel for GT has high-pressure, common-rail direct injection and develops 133 kW at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. It also features Stop / Start technology. Both engines are mated to Peugeot’s own six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

2018 Peugeot 5008 GT-Line (Photo Narrative Post/Matthias Engesser)

SAFETY
Standard across the 5008 range, among an array of active and passive systems, is leading-edge autonomous emergency braking in which distance alert warns if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle or pedestrian ahead.

Then the automatic emergency braking system comes into play if the driver fails to react quickly enough by applying the brakes, helping avoid or reduce the severity of any impact.

A full suite of airbags includes curtain airbags that extend to third-row passengers, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist, speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, adaptive cruise control with stop feature, park assist and Visio Park (360-degree vision).

Active lane keeping assist is optional on Allure, while Advanced Grip Control, including new hill descent control, which optimises slip resistance with five grip modes – normal, snow, mud, sand, ESP off – via a central console dial and 18-inch all-season tyres, is an option on all models.

DRIVING
Underpinning the 5008 SUV is the highly-awarded Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) that also features in the the Peugeot 308 hatch, and 3008 SUV.

As for being a seven-seater, in sports car terms the 5008 is really a 5+2. Settling into the third row of seats has comfort being left at the door. Limited leg room is on offer even with the second row fully forward. It’s not for a full-house family safari.

On the other hand, third-row occupants can take advantage of automatic two-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents.

Each seat weighs just under 11 kg and can easily be removed using a single control to unlock it. Removed, boot volume expands to 1060 litres and courtesy of the folding front passenger’s seat, loads measuring up to 3.20m long can be carried.

Without the bulk of some premium rivals, the 5008 SUV has car-like characteristics, moving away smoothly under full turbo power and settling in to a relaxed drive in traffic or cruising the highway. Braking also makes use of the vehicle’s relatively light weight.

Fuel consumption on test turned out to be 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, reduced to a flat 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds.

Steering is accurate with positive feedback from the road, while the suspension copes with minor surface bitumen blemishes but feels the effect of more serious surface damage with an accompanying clunk or two.

SUMMING UP
Peugeot 5008 is an exceptionally well-equipped seven-seat SUV at a price that should give food for thought to the makers of premium product rivals.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Peugeot 5008 Allure $42,990
Peugeot 5008 GT Line $46,990
Peugeot 5008 GT $52,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.598 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 165 g/km

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4641 mm
Wheelbase: 2840 mm
Width: 1844 mm
Height: 1646 mm
Turning circle: 11.2 m
Gross Vehicle Mass: 2160 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 56 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / 100,000 km

FRENCH FIZZ ADDED TO ‘7-UP’ MIX

By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring

CAPTION: The well-priced seven-seat Peugeot 5008 is shaping up to take on premium SUV rivals.

BODY COPY
Peugeot traditionally was known for its top-performing hatchbacks and stylish saloons. Although a few years ago it did dip its toes into the deep end of the car pool with what it called a ‘people carrier’.

A new interpretation of the family wagon, the 5008, which looked, and behaved suspiciously like a people mover, says the French maker, was an economical seven-seater offering a responsive drive and good road holding with quality interior that was versatile and spacious.
Now, Peugeot maintains, in response to the global appetite for sport utility vehicles, it has launched its all-new 5008 in Australia, which while the name has not changed, everything else has.

Designed from the ground up, the all-new Peugeot 5008 has moved from being a practical multi-purpose vehicle to a versatile seven-seat SUV with premium offerings at mid-market prices.

Dumping the previous Active entry-level variant, the new 5008 comes onto the market in Allure specification at $42,990, plus on-road costs, before moving up to the GT Line, $46,990, and range-topping GT, $52,990.

STYLING
On the outside, the Allure takes on the standard SUV styling, adding its own character with an outsize Peugeot Lion dominating the centre of the upright radiator grille. Chrome and black headlamps, incorporating LED Daytime Running Lights, flank the set-up, wrapping round the sides.

In profile, the vehicle features detailing, including chrome highlights for the windows and black lower wheel guards, normally found only on premium models. Both add to the vehicles’ SUV stance and protect the bodywork from potential damage off the bitumen.

INTERIOR
The cabin speaks to quality all round . . . from the smart material upholstery (Leather is a $2500 option) to stand-out satin chrome switches on the lower dashboard.

There’s a fully digital heads-up instrument panel, centrally-positioned touchscreen with 3-D navigation, DAB digital audio, voice recognition and smartphone wireless induction charging.

INFOTAINMENT
Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit, offers occupants an 8-inch touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch, high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel which includes easy-to-read animated graphics and quick transitions between modes.

The screen can also be customised and configured to display dials, navigation and the onboard computer in two graphic styles.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Allure and GT Line feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an intercooler. Power output is 121 kW at 6000 rpm and torque 240 Nm at 1400rpm.

The turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel for GT has high-pressure, common-rail direct injection and develops 133 kW at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. It also features Stop / Start technology. Both engines are mated to Peugeot’s own six-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels.

SAFETY
Standard across the 5008 range, among an array of active and passive systems, is leading-edge autonomous emergency braking in which distance alert warns if there is a risk of collision with a vehicle or pedestrian ahead.

Then the automatic emergency braking system comes into play if the driver fails to react quickly enough by applying the brakes, helping avoid or reduce the severity of any impact.

A full suite of airbags includes curtain airbags that extend to third-row passengers, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist, speed sign recognition and speed suggestion, adaptive cruise control with stop feature, park assist and Visio Park (360-degree vision).

Active lane keeping assist is optional on Allure, while Advanced Grip Control, including new hill descent control, which optimises slip resistance with five grip modes – normal, snow, mud, sand, ESP off – via a central console dial and 18-inch all-season tyres, is an option on all models.

DRIVING
Underpinning the 5008 SUV is the highly-awarded Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) that also features in the the Peugeot 308 hatch, and 3008 SUV.

As for being a seven-seater, in sports car terms the 5008 is really a 5+2. Settling into the third row of seats has comfort being left at the door. Limited leg room is on offer even with the second row fully forward. It’s not for a full-house family safari.

On the other hand, third-row occupants can take advantage of automatic two-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents.

Each seat weighs just under 11 kg and can easily be removed using a single control to unlock it. Removed, boot volume expands to 1060 litres and courtesy of the folding front passenger’s seat, loads measuring up to 3.20m long can be carried.

Without the bulk of some premium rivals, the 5008 SUV has car-like characteristics, moving away smoothly under full turbo power and settling in to a relaxed drive in traffic or cruising the highway. Braking also makes use of the vehicle’s relatively light weight.

Fuel consumption on test turned out to be 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, reduced to a flat 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds.

Steering is accurate with positive feedback from the road, while the suspension copes with minor surface bitumen blemishes but feels the effect of more serious surface damage with an accompanying clunk or two.

SUMMING UP
Peugeot 5008 is an exceptionally well-equipped seven-seat SUV at a price that should give food for thought to the makers of premium product rivals.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE
Peugeot 5008 Allure $42,990
Peugeot 5008 GT Line $46,990
Peugeot 5008 GT $52,990
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Peugeot dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Peugeot 5008 Allure 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.598 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 165 g/km

DRIVELINE: Six-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4641 mm
Wheelbase: 2840 mm
Width: 1844 mm
Height: 1646 mm
Turning circle: 11.2 m
Gross Vehicle Mass: 2160 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 56 litres

BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / 100,000 km

About Derek Ogden

On graduating with an honours degree in applied science in London, Derek Ogden worked for the BBC in local radio and several British newspapers as a production journalist and writer. Derek moved to Australia in 1975 and worked as a sub-editor with The Courier Mail and Sunday Mail in Brisbane, moving to the Gold Coast Bulletin in 1980 where he continued as a production journalist. He was the paper's motoring editor for more than 20 years, taking the weekly section from a few pages at the back of the book to a full-colour liftout of up to 36 pages. He left the publication in 2009.
Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *